Covid-19 has introduced us to a new way of living. It has not been easy for us smilers and huggers. I have wanted to pull down the face mask a few times to reveal a real smile, and oh, the need to hug people has been real – especially if we haven’t seen some of our people due to quarantining. However, I know following the Covid-19 recommendations is doing what’s best for those around me. I’ve worn my mask and exaggerated my smiles – squinting my eyes so hard to show others I’m smiling BIG time. I’ve squeezed the air in front of me with great gumption six feet away from others to mimic how tight I’d hug them if only I could. I’ve adjusted. Social distancing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of Covid-19 or any other germs, so it’s the least I can do.
Continue readingUnexpected Leaders
The beauty of social media is the ability of keeping in touch with people we do not see every day, every week, or even every year. As a person who has moved around over the last seven years, I have met many people. I have met peers in school and work, and I’ve met adults who served as mentors (even if they do not realize it). Then there are the former students I have had in my youth groups. These students live all over the world now. Mostly they live in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, but one lives in Arizona and one even lives in Japan!
Continue readingWhat Do We See When We Look Deep Within Ourselves?
Our Western culture has rapidly evolved over the past 60 years. Being born in 1995, I haven’t fully been able to see the whole picture of this cultural shift. However, just looking at this past decade, I believe I have a pretty good grasp of it. In 2020 America, one of the biggest values in our culture is authenticity, or “being real.”
Continue readingWaiting for Happily Ever After Part 2
Any person that is a close family member or friend of mine knows of my obsession with Disney. However, they know I have a special place in my heart for Sleeping Beauty. My wedding was even themed around this fairy tale. There are many reasons I love this story, but my favorite part of this classic is the ending. Aurora, her prince, and their families are finally all together. Aurora and Prince Philip dance off into the clouds. As the camera zooms out of the gorgeous jeweled storybook, we see the final words on the page – “And they lived happily ever after…” The book closes and the screen fades to black. This sounds like a beautiful, peaceful ending to their story, doesn’t it? You are left feeling that everything is right in Aurora’s world, and you almost envy that peace and happiness you know the princess is feeling. I mean she has everything she needs now to be content for the rest of her life. Prince Philip is going to be by her side and take care of her every need. Right? Wrong. Continue reading